Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum Leaving “Project Runway” After 16 Seasons
One day you're in, and the next day you're out.
Host Heidi Klum and mentor Tim Gunn are giving Project Runway the double kiss-off to go launch a new reality series for Amazon Prime Video, EW reports.
Following 16 seasons on Project Runway, which aired on Bravo and Lifetime, the Emmy-winning duo announced Friday they want to make a fashion competition work on the streaming service.
“After 16 incredible seasons, I am saying ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to Project Runway, a show that I was honored to host and help create,” Klum said in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of the show, and it will always have a special place in my heart. I am so appreciative of the dedicated fans, and most of all, I am grateful that we could shine a light on creativity and help launch so many talented designers’ careers."
"I’m most excited that my journey with my dear friend and colleague, Tim Gunn, is far from over," the 45-year-old former model adds. "We will be partnering with Amazon for a new show, and we’re excited for everyone to see what we’re designing next!"
“I am grateful to Project Runway for putting me on a path I never, in my wildest dreams, thought my career would take me!” Gunn says. “I am so proud to have been a part of the groundbreaking process that showcased talented young designers as never before. Most importantly, I am indebted to our incredible fans, they are the heart and soul of what we do, and continue to inspire us to raise the bar in this arena."
"I’m excited for them to see what’s next," the 65-year-old gay icon continues, "as I partner with Amazon and Heidi Klum on our next great ‘fashion’ adventure."
Insiders tell EW the Amazon series “will be a fresh take in the reality space and will appeal to a global audience who are entertained by competition, storytelling, and authenticity.”
“Heidi Klum completely changed the television landscape by developing a competitive reality fashion series that was unproven and different from what was popular on-air,” says Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios. “The show became wildly successful, and in turn Klum and Tim Gunn have become an iconic pop culture duo. Their drive to deliver fashionably entertaining, engaging and trendsetting content speaks for itself, and we believe their next iteration in this space will find an even larger audience on our global Prime Video runway.”
Longtime judge Zac Posen has also confirmed he is leaving Project Runway.
“Working alongside Heidi, Nina [Garcia] and Tim as a judge for six seasons of Project Runway was one of the greatest experiences of my career,” says the gay designer in a statement. “I will cherish the opportunity the show gave me to learn from and grow with my co-judges, the producers, crew and designers. Runway has led to incredible opportunities and I am currently at work on some new projects that I am very excited to share with you soon. I wish the show and everyone much success always.”
Project Runway launched in 2004 on Bravo before moving to Lifetime in 2009. After the scandal-fueled bankruptcy of its producers, the Weinstein Company, it was announced earlier this year that the series will be back on Bravo for its upcoming 17th season.
With original producer Magical Elves returning, Bravo plans to “reboot” the show in 2019: "Bravo is proud to bring Project Runway back where it all began, and Heidi and Tim will always be a huge part of the legacy,” says a network spokesperson. “The series will continue its iconic impact with Bravo’s reboot for the next generation of designers and fans. We are excited to announce our new host and mentor very soon.”